Cartridge system, beverage preparation machine, and method for manufacturing the cartridge system

Abstract

The present invention proposes a cartridge system for producing a beverage, the cartridge system being insertable into a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge system comprising a cartridge including a reservoir filled with a beverage substance and a cartridge receiving member, the cartridge receiving member having a mixing chamber fluidly connectable to the reservoir and a fluid supply opening into the mixing chamber, the cartridge system comprising an intermediate cap, the cartridge having a first connecting means, the intermediate cap having a first mating connecting means complementary to the first connecting means, the first mating connecting means being connected to the first connecting means.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge system for producing a beverage, comprising a cartridge insertable into a beverage preparation machine and having a reservoir filled with a beverage substance, and a cartridge receiving member, the cartridge receiving member having a mixing chamber fluidly connectable to the reservoir and a fluid supply opening into the mixing chamber. [Background technology]

[0002] Such cartridge systems are known from the prior art, e.g. US Pat. No. 5,399,413, US Pat. No. 5,499,626, US Pat. No. 5,523,663, US Pat. No. 5,523,636, US Pat. No. 5,523,666, US Pat. No. 5,523,671, and ... are used to produce beverages from pre-portioned cartridges. Producing a beverage with such a cartridge system is extremely convenient for the user, as all that is required is to insert the cartridge and press the start button. In this case, the beverage preparation machine performs the production of the beverage in a fully automated manner, i.e. in particular the beverage substance is mixed with a given amount of liquid, in particular cold carbonated water, and conveyed to the beverage container. In this way, a mixed beverage can be produced more easily and quickly without any effort on the part of the user. A user may select from a number of different cartridges and therefore produce a variety of desired beverages. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 121802A1 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2017 / 121801A1 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2017 / 121801A1 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2017 / 121799A1 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2017 / 121798A1 [Patent Document 6] International Publication No. 2017 / 121797A1 [Patent Document 7] International Publication No. 2017 / 121796A1 [Patent Document 8] International Publication No. 2019 / 002293A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A particular difficulty is in storing the beverage substance safely and stably in the cartridge, even prior to using the cartridge system in a beverage preparation machine. What is important in this context is that the freshness and quality of the beverage substance is maintained. At the same time, the cartridge system should enable a reliable and reproducible beverage preparation method.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge system that can be used in a beverage preparation machine for producing a beverage, which cartridge system allows advantageous storage of beverage substances and / or high-quality beverage preparation and can be manufactured cost-effectively. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This object is achieved by a cartridge system as claimed in claim 1.

[0007] The cartridge system of the present invention is advantageous over the prior art in that the mid-cap allows for a cost-effective construction of a leak-tight cartridge system. In particular, the intermediate cap makes it possible to use a particularly cheap and resource-saving sealing element for sealing the cartridge opening, thereby improving the production of the cartridge system. This type of sealing element ensures that the beverage substance remains sealed in the reservoir before the beverage production process begins, for a long shelf life and a consistent aroma. Thus, according to the invention, it is possible, for example, to use particularly thin sealing elements, for example membranes, for sealing the cartridge. At the same time, on the other hand, according to the invention, in particular by using an intermediate cap, a leak-tight and stable connection between the sealing element and the cartridge can be achieved. In particular, an intermediate cap may be used to position and secure the closure element before the closure element is connected to the cartridge. In this way, the attachment of the sealing element to the cartridge is advantageously prepared and improved by using the intermediate cap. Furthermore, the cartridge system according to the invention allows for evacuating the reservoir at relatively high pressures during the beverage production process without undesirable leakage occurring, for example in the area where the sealing element is fixed to the cartridge. This makes it possible to reduce the extraction time without the risk of compromising the taste of the resulting beverage. A further advantage of the present invention is that the relative orientation and alignment of the cartridge and cartridge receiving member can be defined through the use of an intermediate cap. In this way, a definable alignment of the cartridge in the beverage preparation machine can be achieved, which is advantageous in that, for example, an information element applied to the cartridge, such as a QR code or a bar code, can be read when the cartridge system is inserted in the beverage preparation machine.

[0008] The intermediate cap allows the sealing element to be attached to the cartridge with high quality leak tightness. In this way, a leak-proof seal of the cartridge reservoir can be achieved due to vibrations occurring during transport or storage of the cartridge system, ensuring, for example, that no gas or liquid escapes from the cartridge. A liquid beverage substance having a high carbonation content is maintained within the reservoir. A high carbonation content can have a positive effect on both the flavor of the produced beverage and the shortest shelf life of the cartridge. In order to maintain their freshness and quality, some beverage substances require high internal pressure in the cartridge reservoir, which is achieved inter alia by pre-carbonation. Other beverage substances require only slight or no overpressure.

[0009] The cartridge and cartridge receiving member are preferably connectable to one another by means of an intermediate cap. In particular, the cartridge and the cartridge receiving member are permanently or reversibly connected to one another by an intermediate cap.

[0010] The cartridge preferably comprises glass. The cartridge preferably has a body made of glass. The entire cartridge is, as a preferred option, manufactured from glass, in particular configured as a glass cartridge and / or a glass bottle.

[0011] Alternatively, the cartridge is manufactured wholly or partly from a synthetic resin.

[0012] Alternatively, the cartridge has a body made from aluminum which in its general wall area has a wall thickness of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm, particularly preferably 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm, very particularly preferably about 0.05 mm, in particular with a defect tolerance of less than or equal to 15%. The aluminium body may be produced, for example, by deep drawing or extrusion.

[0013] Preferably, the cartridge is configured such that it can withstand an internal pressure of less than or equal to 12 bar without bursting, preferably less than or equal to 10 bar, particularly preferably less than or equal to 8 bar, very particularly preferably less than or equal to 6 bar (external pressure of 1 bar at a temperature of 20°C). The reservoir has a volume of between 10 ml and 500 ml, preferably between 30 ml and 90 ml, particularly preferably about 60 ml. In particular, the cartridge system includes a liquid beverage substance that includes carbonation. Alternatively, the liquid beverage substance is non-carbonated. In particular, the liquid beverage substances include beverage concentrates, in particular syrups.

[0014] According to the present invention, the cartridge receiving member is understood as the mixing cap of the cartridge system.

[0015] In particular, the intermediate cap is partially or entirely made of glass, synthetic resin and / or metal.

[0016] Embodiments of the invention can be found from the dependent claims and the detailed description with reference to the drawings.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge system comprises a sealing element, and an opening of the cartridge is closed by the sealing element in an initial state of the cartridge system. The opening is an opening in the body of the cartridge which, in the initial state of the cartridge, is closed by a sealing element on its side facing the cartridge base. The initial state of the cartridge system represents the state before beverage preparation, while the manufacture of the cartridge system is already completed in this state. A sealing element is provided for closing the opening of the cartridge and for this purpose may be fixed to the cartridge, to a cartridge wall of the cartridge. The sealing element is advantageous in ensuring that the beverage substance remains in the reservoir and is sealed therein before the start of the beverage production process, for a long shelf life and a consistent aroma.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening of the cartridge has a circular configuration. The opening has, for example, a diameter of 10 mm to 50 mm, preferably 15 mm to 30 mm, particularly preferably at least 18 mm (particularly with a defect tolerance of 15% or less).

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first mating connection means is positively, non-positively and / or materially connected to the first connection means. As a preferred option, the first connection means is adapted to extend around the periphery of the cartridge, such as around a cartridge wall of the cartridge. As a preferred option, the first connection means is arranged to extend around the outside of the cartridge wall of the cartridge. As a preferred option, the first mating connection member is configured to extend over the entire circumference of the intermediate cap, in particular on the inside of the intermediate cap.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first connection means has a male thread and the first mating connection means has a female thread, and the cartridge and the intermediate cap are connected to each other by the male thread of the cartridge and the female thread of the intermediate cap. By using the male and female threads, the intermediate cap can be screwed onto the cartridge with high precision. This allows for advantageous positioning of the sealing element when it is attached to the cartridge. This allows a reliable production of a leak-tight connection between the sealing element and the cartridge. The intermediate cap is preferably configured as a screw cap.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the first connection means comprises one or more hook grooves and / or one or more hook bead portions and / or one or more undercut portions for connection with the first mating connection means, the first mating connection means comprising one or more hook grooves and / or one or more hook bead portions and / or one or more undercut portions.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cartridge has a first anti-twist means and / or the intermediate cap has a further first anti-twist means, and the relative orientation between the cartridge and the intermediate cap is defined by means of the first anti-twist means and / or the further first anti-twist means. In this manner, the first anti-twist means and / or the further first anti-twist means may establish a relative orientation or alignment of the cartridge and intermediate cap when the cartridge and intermediate cap are in a connected state. Additionally, the first anti-twist means and / or the further first anti-twist means may prevent undesired release of the intermediate cap from the cartridge. In particular, the first anti-twist means and / or the further first anti-twist means are configured to allow subsequent screwing using a latch, such that subsequent unscrewing is prevented and / or a fixed relative orientation of the intermediate cap to the cartridge can be achieved using the latch.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first anti-twist means of the cartridge comprises vertical ribs and / or vertical grooves and / or the further first anti-twist means of the intermediate cap comprises vertical ribs and / or vertical grooves. As other and / or further first anti-torsion means circumferential undercuts or spring tongues are alternatively or additionally conceivable. Preferably, the vertical grooves and / or ribs extend parallel to the axial direction of the cartridge.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, a first anti-torsion means is configured as part of and / or formed adjacent to the male threads of the cartridge and / or a further first anti-torsion means is configured as part of and / or formed adjacent to the female threads of the intermediate cap. In this way, the first anti-twist means and / or the further first anti-twist means can particularly advantageously define the relative positions of the cartridge and the intermediate cap with respect to each other when the intermediate cap is screwed onto the cartridge. As a result, both the rotational orientation between the cartridge and the mid-cap and also the distance or spacing between the base region of the mid-cap and the edge and / or end face of the cartridge wall can be defined. This precise definition of the spacing between the base region of the intermediate cap and the edge and / or end face of the cartridge wall is particularly advantageous for attaching the sealing element to the cartridge wall. In this way, for example, the sealing element configured as a sealing membrane can be positioned on the end face of the cartridge wall with high precision and relatively small tolerances by means of an intermediate cap in order to connect the sealing element to the cartridge wall. This precise positioning then makes it possible to inductively weld and / or glue the sealing element to the end face of the cartridge wall. Alternatively, it is conceivable to heat-conductively weld the sealing element to the end face of the cartridge wall.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the intermediate cap has a base region and an intermediate cap wall, the intermediate cap wall extending perpendicularly from and circumferentially around the base region, and the intermediate cap has a cup-like configuration. To connect the sealing element to the cartridge, the sealing element is placed in the cup of the intermediate cap and fixed to the intermediate cap, for example via a synthetic resin or wax. In this context, preferably the sealing element is fixed to a base region of the intermediate cap. In this case, the sealing element thus arranged on the intermediate cap can be used to connect and screw onto the cartridge. As a result, the sealing element is arranged in such a way that it can be connected in a leak-tight manner to the cartridge wall, in particular to an end face of the cartridge wall, in particular by induction welding or gluing. In particular, even after the sealing element has been secured to the cartridge, the intermediate cap remains connected, in particular threaded, to the cartridge. In this way, after being fixed to the cartridge, the sealing element is located axially between the cartridge wall and the base area of ​​the intermediate cap.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention, the base region of the intermediate cap has in particular a through-opening for the piercing spike to pass through the through-opening of the base region. During beverage preparation, the piercing spike is guideable through the through opening in the intermediate cap and is able to pierce and / or penetrate the sealing element. Therefore, after the closure element is attached to the cartridge, there is no need to remove the intermediate cap from the cartridge. It is conceivable that the through opening forms the major part of the base region of the intermediate cap, in this way the base region is present, for example, only in the shape of a ring around the through opening.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the through opening in the base region of the intermediate cap has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the piercing spike.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the through opening in the base region of the intermediate cap has a diameter of at least 7 mm, preferably at least 8 mm.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first mating connection means is arranged on the intermediate cap wall.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, a sealing element is arranged between an edge of the cartridge wall of the cartridge and a base area of ​​the mid-cap. In particular, the peripheral edge region of the sealing element is located between the edge of the cartridge wall and the base region of the mid-cap.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, the sealing element comprises a sealing membrane. In particular, the peripheral edge region of the sealing membrane is located between the edge of the cartridge wall and the base region of the mid-cap. The sealing element may be configured entirely as a sealing membrane, or only a portion of the sealing element may be configured as a sealing membrane. In the initial state of the cartridge system, the reservoir of the cartridge is sealed by a sealing membrane which can be simply pierced by a piercing spike in the cartridge receiving member in order to transfer the beverage substance from the reservoir to the mixing chamber of the cartridge receiving member as quickly as possible during the beverage production process.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing thin film comprises a synthetic resin thin film, an aluminum thin film or a multi-layer thin film made of synthetic resin and / or aluminum. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing film comprises foam, paper and / or other materials. Combinations of synthetic resin and / or aluminum and / or paper and / or foam and / or other materials are also conceivable. It is particularly advantageously possible to configure the sealing element as a sealing membrane for containing the beverage substance in a reservoir with no or relatively low overpressure. The encapsulation can be achieved cost-effectively using a thin encapsulation film.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the invention, the sealing element, in particular the sealing membrane, is glued, sealed and / or welded to the cartridge, in particular to the cartridge wall. In this way, the sealing element is fixed to the cartridge wall, sealing the interior of the cartridge and thus the cartridge reservoir. In this case, the sealing membrane is configured to be at least substantially flat when mounted on the cartridge. The sealing membrane is preferably connected to the end face of the edge of the cartridge wall. Alternatively, for example, the sealing element is crimped onto the cartridge wall, the sealing element comprising a crimp cap. The construction of the cartridge does not need to be changed, and the cartridge can be combined with a variety of sealing elements and a variety of methods for providing the sealing elements on the cartridge. This increases the number of cases where cartridges or cartridge systems can be used cost effectively, and allows for greater scalability.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, the sealing membrane is fixed to the edge of the cartridge wall, in particular to the end face of the cartridge wall, by induction welding. This allows the sealing membrane to be attached to the cartridge in a leak-tight manner, whilst being cost-effective and feasible to carry out. By using induction welding, an advantageous connection can be made between the sealing membrane and the cartridge, even when typical irregularities exist on the end face of the cartridge. In particular, the cartridge, in particular the glass cartridge, is formed using hot end coating or cold end coating. To form a connection between the cartridge and the sealing membrane, induction welding of the sealing membrane to the cartridge uses a sealing lacquer which melts during induction welding. In particular, a leak-tight and cost-effective seal can thereby be achieved. Alternatively, an adhesive is used to secure the sealing membrane to the end face of the cartridge wall.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, the sealing element comprises or is configured as a synthetic resin cap. The synthetic resin cap preferably comprises a sealing element with a hole or punch which is applied, sealed or welded to the inside or outside of the sealing membrane. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the synthetic resin cap of the sealing element is formed by injection molding. Thus, the synthetic resin cap is preferably an injection molded part. In this case, the plastic cap is configured as a crimp cap, a latch cap or a screw cap. The synthetic resin cap has a weakened portion for the passage of a piercing spike. The weak portion is preferably an area of ​​the synthetic resin cap that is thin in wall thickness or thickness. The weakened portion is also configured to allow a piercing spike to open and / or penetrate the closure element in the area of ​​the weakened portion. The weakened portion is formed as a thinned area of ​​the synthetic resin cap during the formation of the synthetic resin cap, particularly during injection molding. In this way, the weakened portion is formed during the injection molding of the synthetic resin cap and no further post-processing of the synthetic resin cap is required to form the weakened portion. According to an embodiment of the invention, the weakened portion is configured as a weakened portion in the entire area of ​​the synthetic resin cap, in particular in the circular area. Alternatively, other geometries are contemplated for the weakened portion. For example, the weakened portion is configured in a ring shape or as a circular line.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate cap comprises or is configured as a synthetic resin cap. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the synthetic resin cap of the intermediate cap is formed by injection molding. Thus, the synthetic resin cap is preferably an injection molded part. In this case, the plastic cap is configured as a crimp cap, a latch cap or a screw cap. The synthetic resin cap has a through opening, punch and / or weakened portion for the passage of a piercing spike. This weak spot is then the area of ​​the synthetic resin cap that is thinner in wall thickness or thickness. The weakened portion is also configured to allow a piercing spike to open and / or penetrate the intermediate cap in the area of ​​the weakened portion. The weakened portion is formed as a thinned area of ​​the synthetic resin cap during the formation of the synthetic resin cap, particularly during injection molding. In this way, the weakened portion is formed during the injection molding of the synthetic resin cap and no further post-processing of the synthetic resin cap is required to form the weakened portion. According to an embodiment of the invention, the weakened portion is configured as a weakened portion in the entire area of ​​the synthetic resin cap, in particular in the circular area. Alternatively, other geometries are contemplated for the weakened portion. For example, the weakened portion is configured in a ring shape or as a circular line.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an intermediate cap is connected to the cartridge receiving member. In particular, the intermediate cap is insertable into and connectable to the cartridge receiving member. The cartridge receiving member is permanently or reversibly connected to the mid-cap.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate cap has a second connecting means and / or the cartridge receiving member has a second mating connecting means, which is form-fitted, non-form-fitted and / or material-connected to the second connecting means. The second mating connection means is a complementary connection means to the second connection means. Alternatively or additionally, the intermediate cap is connected to the cartridge receiving member by crimping, gluing, sealing and / or welding.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second connection means comprises one or more hook grooves and / or one or more hook bead portions and / or one or more undercuts and / or male threads, and the second mating connection means comprises one or more hook grooves and / or one or more hook bead portions and / or one or more undercuts and / or female threads. Preferably, the undercut or undercuts are circumferential undercuts. In particular, for example, the second connecting means of the intermediate cap comprises a latching groove which interacts with a latching bead of the second mating connecting means of the cartridge receiving member to provide a latching connection. As a preferred option, the second mating connection means extends around the periphery of the intermediate cap, outside the intermediate cap. As a preferred option, the second mating connection means extends inside the cartridge receiving member around the entire periphery of the cartridge receiving member.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the invention, the intermediate cap has a second anti-twist means and / or the cartridge receiving member has a further second anti-twist means, and the relative orientation between the intermediate cap and the cartridge receiving member is defined by means of the second anti-twist means and / or the further second anti-twist means. The second anti-twist means and / or the further second anti-twist means define the relative position and orientation between the intermediate cap and the cartridge receiving member when the cartridge receiving member and the intermediate cap are connected. Additionally, the second anti-twist means and / or the further second anti-twist means may prevent accidental release of the cartridge receiving member and the intermediate cap. In particular, the second connection means may comprise second anti-torsion means and / or the second mating connection means may comprise a further second anti-torsion means. In particular, the second connection means may comprise a locking means having a flat area in the circumferential direction, in particular a locking bead or a locking groove. In particular, the second mating connection means can comprise a latching means which is complementary and which likewise has a flat area in the circumferential direction, in particular a latching bead or a latching groove. The flat areas are used to provide anti-twist means for the mid-cap and cartridge receiving member.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cartridge, intermediate cap and / or cartridge receiving member may be implemented with or without flats. For example, by having a flat portion on the cartridge, intermediate cap and / or cartridge receiving member, in each case, around its periphery, in particular in the circumferential direction, the relative orientation of the cartridge, intermediate cap and / or cartridge receiving member is predetermined by the flat portion. In this way, for example, anti-twist measures can be achieved. Also, the cartridge, the intermediate cap and / or the cartridge receiving member, respectively, can be configured without flats in the circumferential direction, in particular with a rounded configuration.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the invention, a seal is formed between the cartridge and the mid-cap by means of a sealing means. In particular, the sealing element is arranged partially or completely between an upper side of the sealing element facing away from the cartridge and the intermediate cap, in particular the base region of the intermediate cap, such that the sealing element seals the transition between the intermediate cap and the cartridge in the region of the sealing element. In addition or as an alternative to its function as a seal, the sealing means may serve to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the cartridge, intermediate cap and / or cartridge receiving member. According to an embodiment of the invention, the sealing means is configured as part of the sealing element and / or the sealing means is a separate element from the sealing element and is arranged between the cartridge and the intermediate cap. In this way, the sealing means may be formed integrally with the sealing element or as a separate component therefrom. Various suitable materials come into consideration for the sealing means, for example various types of rubber and / or synthetic resins or other materials.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention, the sealing means comprises a sealing ring, a full area sealing means with holes and / or a bubble. The sealing means is configured as an insertable element. This insertable element (eg a sealing ring) may be arranged between the cartridge, in particular the end face of the cartridge facing towards the base region of the mid-cap, and the mid-cap. In particular, the sealing means is configured as an O-ring. The sealing means is configured with holes / apertures over its entire area for the piercing spikes. The sealing means is configured as part of the sealing element and / or is connected to the sealing element, in particular on an upper side of the sealing element facing away from the cartridge. In particular, the sealing means comprises a bubble (or bubble region) of the sealing element which is arranged on the upper side of the sealing element, in particular in a peripheral outer region of the sealing element.

[0044] A sealing element, for example an O-ring and / or a foam, is arranged and / or formed between the cartridge and the intermediate cap in the region of the first connecting means and / or the mating connecting means. An additional seal between the cartridge and the mid-cap can be achieved, for example, by implementing the mid-cap with a multi-component synthetic resin, in particular a two-component synthetic resin.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the invention, the sealing means is constructed using a multi-component injection molded synthetic resin, in particular using a two-component injection molded synthetic resin, as part of the mid-cap. In this way, the sealing means is integrally formed with (i.e. as a component of) the intermediate cap or part of the intermediate cap. In particular, in this case, the intermediate cap (or at least a part of the intermediate cap) and the sealing means can be implemented jointly by means of two-component injection molding. Preferably, the area of ​​the sealing means may be manufactured from a different synthetic resin than the remaining parts of the intermediate cap. For example, the area of ​​the sealing means may be manufactured from a softer synthetic resin than the rest of the intermediate cap. In this context, the sealing means (in particular as a component of the intermediate cap) is implemented as an area of ​​the intermediate cap facing towards the end face of the cartridge wall, in particular as an area of ​​the intermediate cap adjacent to the end face of the cartridge wall and / or the sealing element. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing means is arranged (in particular as a component of the intermediate cap or as a separate insert) laterally / radially in the cartridge wall and / or in the chamfer and / or radius between the end face and the periphery of the cartridge wall.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the invention, a seal is formed between the intermediate cap and the cartridge receiving member by means of a further sealing means. In particular, the further sealing means is arranged partially or completely between the intermediate cap and the cartridge receiving member, whereby the further sealing means seals the transition between the intermediate cap and the cartridge receiving member. In addition or as an alternative to its function as a seal, the further sealing means serves to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the intermediate cap and / or the cartridge receiving member. According to an embodiment of the invention, the further sealing means comprises a sealing ring, in particular an O-ring.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the invention, the further sealing means is arranged in the region of the second connecting means of the intermediate cap and / or in the region of the second mating connecting means of the cartridge receiving member. In particular, the further sealing means is arranged partly or completely between the second connecting means and the second mating connecting means. In this case, for example, the second connection means may comprise a hook groove, a hook bead, an undercut and / or a male thread, the second mating connection means may comprise a hook groove, a hook bead, an undercut and / or a female thread, and the second connection means and the connection formed between the intermediate cap and the cartridge receiving member by means of the second mating connection means are sealed by a further sealing means.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the invention, a cartridge comprises a body having a cup-like configuration, the body being formed with a cartridge wall closed on one side by a cartridge base, the body comprising a reservoir. The cartridge wall and cartridge base have an integral construction. As a preferred option, the cartridge wall has a cylindrical configuration at least in a major area of ​​the cartridge wall. The cartridge walls and cartridge base can be formed from a glass bottle. Alternatively, the cartridge walls and cartridge base are formed from a synthetic resin or metal.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cartridge receiving member has a base structure which is at least partially made of synthetic resin, in particular entirely made of synthetic resin, whereby low-cost production is achieved, which is advantageous.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base structure has a cup-like configuration, the open side of which faces the cartridge, an opening serving as a beverage outlet and a spike guide opening to the outside are formed in a bottom side located opposite the cartridge, and a fluid supply portion is formed in the bottom side or a side wall portion of the base structure. The cartridge receiving member has a fluid supply which does not open into a reservoir in the cartridge, but rather opens into a mixing chamber which is separate from the reservoir. This prevents back-contamination of the beverage preparation machine by the fluid supply during the beverage production process. Thus, rather than the fluid flowing through the reservoir, the beverage substance and the fluid flow separately from one another into a mixing chamber in the cartridge receiving member. The fluid flows directly into the mixing chamber, while the beverage substance is transported to the mixing chamber independently of the fluid. For this purpose, a displaceably mounted piercing spike is provided in the spike guide and is displaceable between a retracted position in which the piercing spike is spaced apart from the sealing element, in particular the sealing membrane, and an extended position in which the piercing spike pierces the sealing element, in particular the sealing membrane, and protrudes into the reservoir. In the extended position, the piercing spike is guided through a through opening in the base region of the intermediate cap. Thus, in the initial state of the cartridge system, the piercing spike is in a retracted position so that the reservoir is sealed by the sealing element, in particular the sealing membrane, and the piercing spike can be moved from the retracted position to the extended position in order to open the sealing element of the cartridge. In the extended position, the sealing element is pierced by the piercing spike or the prepunch is ruptured so that the beverage substance passes through the sealing element, in particular through at least one lateral channel of the piercing spike, and flows into the mixing chamber. In this way, a cartridge which was previously closed in an aroma-tight manner can be opened simply and reliably in the beverage preparation machine. It has also been found that back-contamination of the beverage preparation machine is prevented as no overpressure is generated in the reservoir acting directly on the fluid supply. Advantageously, the configuration of the mixing chamber in the cartridge receiving member, which is reversibly insertable into the beverage preparation machine, ensures that the mixing chamber is part of a replaceable cartridge system. In this way, contamination of the beverage preparation machine by the beverage substance is effectively avoided, since only replaceable disposable or reusable parts of the cartridge system come into contact with the beverage substance.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the invention, the outer wall of the piercing spike comprises at least one lateral channel for conveying the beverage substance in the direction of the mixing chamber when the sealing element is pierced.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the cartridge system, in particular the cartridge receiving member, is configured to have at least one support structure which supports the sealing membrane in the direction of the cartridge receiving member, in particular in the direction of the mixing chamber. In this way, the sealing membrane is prevented from rupturing during the pressure build-up in the reservoir during the beverage preparation process. The support structure comprises a structure having in particular a columnar, bridge, lattice or cylindrical shape which projects from the bottom of the mixing chamber in the direction of the reservoir and on which the sealing membrane is optionally partially supported. In particular in the variants of the invention in which the through openings or through holes in the intermediate cap have a relatively small radius, the sealing membrane does not come into contact with the support structure.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the invention, the piercing spike comprises a base part having a cylindrical or frusto-conical shape and a piercing part extending in the direction of the reservoir, the piercing part being configured in the shape of an obliquely cut frusto-cone. The piercing portion is further configured such that an obliquely cut surface of the obliquely cut truncated cone generally faces the reservoir, and an oval periphery of the cut surface at least partially defines a cutting edge that pierces the sealing element. It has been found that the truncated cone cut surface resulting from the beveled cut easily and satisfactorily cuts the sealing element with very little force, and furthermore does not separate shavings from the sealing element or break off small pieces which would otherwise undesirably contaminate the beverage. The perforation of the sealing element is preferably configured such that on the perforation spike side, on which the cutting edge is formed most protruding in the direction of the reservoir, the material of the sealing element is cut with a smooth incision, while in the region of the cut surface of the perforation, the cut material of the sealing element remains connected to the rest of the sealing element and is rolled up or folded together.

[0054] The piercing spike comprises an intermediate portion disposed between the base portion and the piercing portion, the intermediate portion being configured in a frusto-conical shape, a circumferential shoulder being formed between the base portion and the intermediate portion, and a circumferential edge being formed between the piercing portion and the intermediate portion. In this way a stable piercing spike is formed. The formation of such an edge facilitates the transport of the beverage substance towards the mixing chamber, since the lateral channel, if it extends over the edge, has an enlarged inlet on the reservoir side. The shoulder serves to abut a stop on the spike guide when the piercing spike is in the retracted position so that extension movement of the piercing spike towards the cartridge is limited.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cartridge receiving member has a number of transverse channels, each of which extends parallel to the piercing spike in the region of the perforation section and in the region of the intermediate section. In this case, each of the transverse channels is configured in particular in the form of a groove which is open on one side and introduced into the outer face of the piercing spike. The transverse channel is at least partially formed in a circumferential region of the piercing spike rearward of the cutting surface. This means that the transverse channel is located on the perforated side of the sealing element where the material was cut, rather than on the opposite side where the cut material still connects to the sealing element elsewhere. In this way, the beverage substance can flow relatively unimpeded into the side channel.

[0056] The cross section of the lateral channels and / or the number of lateral channels are adapted to the viscosity of the beverage substance, such that the lateral channels control or limit the flow of the beverage substance in the direction of the mixing chamber. At high viscosities, multiple side channels or side channels with relatively large cross sections are used, and at low viscosities, fewer side channels or side channels with smaller cross sections are provided. Therefore, a suitable cartridge receiving member is provided for each cartridge.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the invention, the piercing spike comprises rib-like anti-twist means projecting radially from the base. In this way, twisting of the piercing spikes is avoided as they move from the retracted position to the extended position. It is also ensured that the transverse channel is arranged on the side of the perforated spike which faces away from the beverage outlet of the mixing chamber and in particular faces the fluid supply. In this way improved mixing of the beverage substance and the fluid within the mixing chamber is achieved.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the invention, the piercing spike has an integrated compressed air tube, which is a cartridge emptying device, that extends along the piercing spike from a first end of the piercing spike to a second end of the piercing spike. In this way, the piercing spike has three functions: 1. the piercing spike comprises a piercing portion for piercing the sealing element and thereby opening the cartridge; 2. The perforating spike is provided with a transverse channel that allows the transfer of the beverage substance to the mixing chamber; 3. The piercing spike has an integrated compressed air tube for blowing compressed air into the reservoir, thereby forcing the beverage substance under pressure into the mixing chamber; is incorporated.

[0059] A compressed air connection is formed at the second end for connection to a source of compressed air, and a compressed air outlet is formed at the first end for blowing compressed air into the reservoir. In this way, the cartridge emptying device integrated into the cartridge receiving member comprises only one compressed air pipe, within the meaning of the invention, by means of which compressed air can be introduced into the reservoir from the outside. The cartridge receiving member is configured such that the beverage substance is forced from the reservoir into the mixing chamber by compressed air. The compressed air is provided by the beverage preparation machine. Once the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine, it directly connects the compressed air source to the compressed air connection. This means that when the cartridge system is inserted, pressure is applied particularly immediately to the cartridge emptying device, thus preventing any movement of the beverage substance in the direction of the compressed air pipe, in particular in the direction of the compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine, thereby effectively avoiding back contamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine. In this way, the beverage substance can only travel from the reservoir towards the mixing chamber.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the invention, the compressed air outlet is configured as an opening in the cutting surface. This causes air entering the reservoir to be blown onto the side of the perforated spike that is away from the lateral channel so as not to interfere with the discharge of the beverage substance into the mixing chamber. In this way, a vortex is formed within the reservoir, assisting in emptying the reservoir while leaving almost no residue behind.

[0061] The compressed air connection is configured as an opening in the base portion, and the base portion is arranged on the cartridge receiving member such that the compressed air connection is accessible from outside the cartridge receiving member. In this way, the connection of the compressed air line to a compressed air source is supported.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the invention, the spike guide has a guide portion with an internal guide channel for receiving the piercing spike, the guide channel of the guide portion being configured with a substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical shape, and a circumferential stop portion is formed at the end of the guide portion facing the cartridge, which limit the movement of the piercing spike in the direction of the reservoir, and which is configured to have a reduced diameter region. In this way, the piercing spike is advantageously guided reliably during the movement from the retracted position to the extended position. To prevent undesired twisting of the piercing spike, grooves corresponding to the ribs are formed in the walls of the guide channel as anti-twisting means. The guide portion is disposed in the mixing chamber and protrudes from the bottom of the mixing chamber in the direction of the cartridge.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the invention, the piercing spike is configured as a synthetic resin part, in particular as an injection-molded synthetic resin part. This allows for cost-effective manufacturing. However, typically the piercing spikes are alternatively formed as metal parts and / or from ceramic and / or other suitable materials.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, upon insertion of the cartridge system into the beverage preparation machine, the piercing spike is configured to be movable from a retracted position to an extended position by a release element of the beverage preparation machine.

[0065] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the mixing chamber is provided with a beverage outlet from which a beverage produced from a mixture of the beverage substance and the fluid is dispensed, and the cartridge system is configured such that the beverage can be introduced directly from the beverage outlet into a mobile container. Thus, neither the beverage substance nor the produced beverage comes into contact with any parts of the beverage preparation machine, so that any (reverse) contamination of the beverage preparation machine is to a large extent avoided. The fluids are fed separately into a mixing chamber. The fluid is preferably introduced into the mixing chamber under pressure. The fluid is provided by a beverage preparation machine. Once the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine, it directly connects the fluid source to a corresponding fluid connection on the cartridge receiving member. In this case, the fluid connection is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber via a fluid tube. This means that the fluid connection is particularly immediately under overpressure when the cartridge system is inserted, thereby preventing beverage substance from migrating in the direction of the fluid line, in particular in the direction of the fluid source of the beverage preparation machine, thereby effectively avoiding back contamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine. Therefore, the beverage substance and beverage can only move from the mixing chamber towards the beverage outlet. The fluid comprises water, preferably pressurized, chilled and / or carbonated drinking water.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing chamber comprises a mixing structure. The mixing structure ensures better mixing of the beverage substance and the fluid. To this end, the mixing structure is configured to cause swirling of the fluid entering the mixing chamber. A mixing structure includes one or more mixing ribs disposed in the bottom fluid application area of ​​the mixing chamber and extending generally perpendicular to the direction of fluid entry. In this way, the mixing ribs act as a barrier for the fluid, causing it to swirl upwards and achieve better mixing with the beverage product.

[0067] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid supply is supplied with a fluid to be cooled by a cooling unit which is part of the beverage preparation machine or is part of a separate cooling device operatively connected to the beverage preparation machine. In this way it is possible to produce a cold beverage even when the cartridge is not chilled, eg at room temperature. The system can be integrated with an existing cooling device, allowing the existing cooling of the device to be used simply and efficiently with the beverage preparation machine. In particular, in cooling appliances known as "side-by-side" refrigerators (often also referred to as American refrigerators), sufficient installation space is permitted in the front to incorporate a cartridge system. The beverage preparation machine is a retrofit set for such a cooling device. The cooling unit may comprise a compression cooling unit, an absorption cooling unit or a thermoelectric cooling device.

[0068] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid supply is provided with fluid that has been carbonated by a carbonator. The carbonator is part of a beverage preparation machine, the carbonator having a receiving member for a CO2 cartridge and a supply for adding CO2 from the CO2 cartridge to a fluid. Therefore, the cartridge system can also be used to produce carbonated soft drinks. Alternatively, the carbonator has an external CO2 connection.

[0069] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine comprising a cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge system is insertable into a beverage preparation machine and, while the cartridge system is inserted into the beverage preparation machine, a beverage can be prepared. After the brewing has taken place, the cartridge system can be removed again from the beverage preparation machine.

[0070] The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing a cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising the steps of: - a cartridge and an intermediate cap are provided in a first method step, - in a second method step subsequent to the first method step, the cartridge and the intermediate cap are connected to one another by means of the first connecting means of the cartridge and the first mating connecting means of the intermediate cap.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the method of the invention, in an intermediate step prior to the second method step, a sealing element, in particular a sealing membrane, is placed on and / or fixed to the intermediate cap.

[0072] According to a particularly method embodiment of the invention, in an intermediate step prior to the second method step, the sealing element, in particular the sealing membrane, is fixed, in particular glued, to the intermediate cap by means of wax and / or synthetic resin. Alternatively or additionally, in an intermediate step prior to the second method step, the sealing element, in particular the sealing membrane, is fixed to the intermediate cap by clamping and / or latching. In this manner, the sealing element is preferably attached to the intermediate cap before the intermediate cap is connected to the cartridge. In this way, in a second method step, the sealing element is arranged on the intermediate cap, so that when the intermediate cap is attached to the cartridge (second method step), the sealing element can also be attached therewith. Positioning and / or fixing of the sealing element on the cartridge can be achieved, which subsequently allows fixing of the sealing element on the cartridge to provide a leak-tight connection. This makes it possible to fix the sealing element on the cartridge.

[0073] According to a particularly method embodiment of the invention, a sealing element fixed to the intermediate cap is glued, sealed and / or welded to the edge of the cartridge wall in a second method step.

[0074] According to a particular method embodiment of the invention, in a first partial step of the second method step, the cartridge and the intermediate cap are connected to each other by a first connecting means of the cartridge and / or a first mating connecting means of the intermediate cap and are screwed together, In a second partial step of the second method step, after the first partial step, a sealing element fixed to the intermediate cap is connected to the cartridge, in particular to an edge of the cartridge wall, by induction welding. In this case, the connection between the edge of the cartridge wall and the sealing element in the second partial step of the second method step is produced by induction welding. Induction welding allows for cost-effective attachment of the sealing element with high attachment quality and ensures consistent closure and sealing of the cartridge reservoir by the sealing element. In this case, it is particularly preferable that the cartridge is made of glass. In particular, the sealing element comprises a sealing element or is configured as a sealing membrane. The placement and fastening of the sealing membrane on the edge of the cartridge wall in a first partial step of the second method step makes it possible to attach the sealing membrane to the cartridge in a second partial step of the second method step. In this manner, the use of an intermediate cap can reduce or completely prevent leakage during installation of the sealing membrane onto the cartridge. Alternatively, in a second partial step of the second method step the sealing element is glued to the edge of the cartridge wall.

[0075] In particular, the cartridge, in particular the glass cartridge, is formed during or before the first method step by means of hot end coating or cold end coating. To form a connection between the cartridge and the sealing membrane, the induction welding in the second sub-step of the second method step uses a sealing lacquer which melts during the induction welding.

[0076] According to a particular method embodiment of the invention, prior to the second method step, a foam layer is arranged on the intermediate cap and / or the sealing element. As a preferred option, the foam layer consists of a synthetic foam. This makes it possible to attach the sealing element, in particular the sealing membrane, to the edge of the cartridge wall by induction welding. The foam layer can be used to compensate for surface irregularities of the edge of the cartridge wall (or the end face of the cartridge wall), thereby making it possible to reliably achieve high leak-tightness when mounting the sealing element on the cartridge. It is conceivable that the foam layer is part of the sealing element, in particular the sealing membrane, and therefore it is not necessary to arrange the foam layer separately on the intermediate cap and / or on the sealing element.

[0077] According to a particular method embodiment of the invention, in a third method step before, during and / or after the second method step, the intermediate cap and the cartridge receiving member are connected by a second connecting means of the intermediate cap and / or a second mating connecting means of the cartridge receiving member. For example, the second connection means of the intermediate cap may comprise a hook groove portion which in the third method step is connected to a hook bead portion of the second mating connection means of the cartridge receiving member to effect the hook connection. In a variant in which the second method step is followed by the third method step, it is preferred that a cartridge that is already connected to an intermediate element is thus connected to the cartridge receiving member via the intermediate cap.

[0078] According to a particular method embodiment of the invention, in an intermediate step carried out before the third method step, the cartridge receiving member is manufactured by synthetic resin injection molding. Therefore, those parts of the cartridge system that are not subjected to high pressure by the introduction of compressed air can be manufactured using synthetic resins with low cost manufacturing methods, thereby keeping overall manufacturing costs low.

[0079] According to a particular method embodiment of the invention, piercing spikes are manufactured and introduced into the spike guides of the cartridge receiving member in a further intermediate step carried out before or after the third method step.

[0080] According to a particular method embodiment of the invention, in a further intermediate step carried out before the second method step, a sealing element is punched and / or punched out of a sealing film, preferably a synthetic resin film, an aluminum film or a multilayer film of synthetic resin and / or aluminum. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element is manufactured using, for example, an aluminium sheet.

[0081] According to a particular method embodiment of the invention, prior to the second method step, the first connection means, in particular the latch groove, the latch bead, the undercut and / or the male thread, are formed in the cartridge, in particular in the cartridge wall. According to a particular method embodiment of the invention, prior to the second method step, the first mating connection means, in particular the hook groove, hook bead, undercut and / or internal thread, are formed in the intermediate cap. The mid-cap and the cartridge are connected using a first connecting means and a first mating connecting means. In a second method step, the intermediate cap is screwed with its internal thread onto the external thread of the cartridge. Alternatively or additionally, the walls of the cartridge receiving member are crimped around the mid-cap.

[0082] According to a particular method embodiment of the invention, alternatively or additionally, before the third method step, in particular before the second method step, a second connection means, in particular a hook groove, a hook bead, an undercut and / or an external thread, is formed in the intermediate cap. According to a further embodiment, particularly a method, of the invention, a second mating connection means, in particular a latch groove, a latch bead, an undercut and / or an internal thread, is formed in the cartridge receiving member prior to the third method step, in particular during injection molding of the cartridge receiving member. The intermediate cap and the cartridge receiving member are in particular connected by means of the second connecting means and / or the second mating connecting means. Alternatively or additionally, the walls of the cartridge receiving member are crimped around the mid-cap and / or the mid-cap walls are crimped around the walls of the cartridge receiving member.

[0083] In or before the first method step, the cartridge or in particular at least the body of the cartridge, which is cup-shaped, is manufactured from glass. However, alternatively, the cartridge is manufactured from synthetic resin and / or metal, in particular aluminium. In a variant in which the body or cartridge is manufactured from aluminium, the body or cartridge is manufactured by deep drawing or extrusion. Preferably, the body may be of cup-like configuration, with a cylindrical cartridge wall closed at one side by a cartridge base, the cartridge wall and cartridge base being of integral configuration. The cartridge wall and cartridge base are of one piece, and preferably both are made of glass. Alternatively, the cartridge is manufactured from multiple individual parts. For example, the cartridge wall and the cartridge base are separate parts which are connected to one another in a particularly gas-tight manner in a first method step.

[0084] For the method of manufacturing the cartridge system according to the invention and for the beverage preparation machine according to the invention, the advantages and embodiments described above for the cartridge system according to the invention or for the embodiments of the cartridge system according to the invention can be utilized. For the cartridge system according to the present invention and the method for manufacturing the cartridge system according to the present invention, the advantages and embodiments described above for the beverage preparation machine according to the present invention or for the embodiments of the beverage preparation machine according to the present invention can be utilized. For the cartridge system according to the present invention and for the beverage preparation machine according to the present invention, the advantages and embodiments described above for the method of manufacturing the cartridge system according to the present invention or for the embodiments of the method of manufacturing the cartridge system according to the present invention can be utilized.

[0085] Further details, features and advantages of the invention become apparent from the drawings and the following description of embodiments based on the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the essential concepts of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0086] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate cap according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the mouth region of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5a] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5b] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5c] FIG. 2 illustrates the general operating principle of a cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cross-section of a sealing element according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cross section of an intermediate cap according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0087] In the various drawings, identical elements are always given the same reference numbers and therefore will generally only be described once each.

[0088] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cartridge system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge 2 comprises a cup-shaped hollow body 2' by means of which a reservoir 6 for a beverage substance 7 is formed. Here, "cup-shaped configuration" means that the main body 2' has a cartridge base portion 2''' (see Figure 5b) and a cartridge wall portion 2'' protruding at an angle of 90° from the cartridge base portion 2''', in particular in the direction of the cartridge receiving member 10. In this case, the cartridge wall 2'' has an at least partially cylindrical and encircling configuration, whereas the cartridge base 2''' in this example has a circular configuration. The body 2' of the cartridge 2 or the cartridge 2 itself is formed by or at least using a glass bottle. The reservoir 6 of the cartridge 2 can be filled with a beverage substance 7 .

[0089] On its axial side opposite the cartridge base part 2''', the cartridge 2 has an opening 90 which is closed by a sealing element 18 which is configured as a sealing membrane 18''. The diameter of the opening 90 corresponds, for example, to the dimensions of the piercing spike 73 . However, the opening 90 may be larger than the piercing spike 73 . The opening 90 is surrounded by an edge 2'''' of the cartridge wall 2''. An intermediate cap 60 fits onto the cartridge 2 at this mouth region of the cartridge 2 . The mid-cap 60 comprises a base region 61 and a mid-cap wall portion 62 which projects perpendicularly from the base region 61 of the mid-cap 60 . As a result, the intermediate cap wall 62 has a cup-like configuration. The intermediate cap wall 62 has a larger radius than the edge 2'''' of the cartridge wall 2'' so that the intermediate cap wall 62 is located radially outboard of the cartridge wall 2''. The base region 61 is provided with a through opening 63 which is provided for the passage of a piercing spike 73 . In this manner, the piercing spike 73 is able to penetrate the intermediate cap 60 and thus reach, pierce, penetrate and / or open the sealing element 18 . The cartridge 2 has first connection means 20 configured as an external thread 20 ′ around the cartridge wall 2 ″, forming a threaded mouth of the cartridge 2 . The intermediate cap 60 has a first mating connection means 21 which is configured as an internal thread 21'. The intermediate cap 60 is screwed onto the external thread 20' of the cartridge 2 via its internal thread 21'. One advantage of the intermediate cap 60 is that it allows the sealing membrane 18 ″ to be attached to the cartridge 2 . To this end, the sealing membrane 18 ″ is fixed to an intermediate cap 60 which is then screwed onto the cartridge 2 . In particular, the sealing membrane 18'' is adhered to the base region 61 inside the mid-cap 60 using wax and / or synthetic resin (and / or using any other suitable material). When the intermediate cap 60 is screwed onto the cartridge 2, the sealing membrane 18'' connected to the intermediate cap 60 is thus positioned and / or fixed to the end face 5 of the cartridge wall 2'' above the opening 90 of the cartridge 2 and at the edge 2'''' of the cartridge wall 2''. The sealing membrane 18'' is then connected to the end face 5 of the cartridge wall 2'' by induction bonding or welding. Alternatively, the sealing membrane 18 ″ is adhered to the end face 5 . In this way, the reservoir 6 of the cartridge 2 is sealed by the sealing element 18 .

[0090] In this manner, the intermediate cap 60 is configured as a screw-on cap and serves the function of fixing the sealing membrane 18'' to the cartridge 2, so that after the screw-on cap is screwed onto the cartridge 2, the sealing membrane 18'' can be sealed to the cartridge 2 by induction heating bonding. In this case, the cartridge 2 is a glass bottle. On the other hand, a cartridge made of a synthetic resin, for example a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottle, can also be used as the cartridge 2.

[0091] Furthermore, the intermediate cap 60 connected to the cartridge 2 is connected to the cartridge receiving member 10 . This connection is made by means of the second connecting means 22 of the intermediate cap 60 and by means of second mating connecting means 23 of the cartridge receiving member 10 which are complementary to the second connecting means 22 . For this purpose, the second connecting means 22 is provided with a locking groove portion 22' which interacts with a locking bead portion 23' of the second mating connecting means 23 so that the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10 are locked to each other. Here, the hook groove portion 22 ′ is formed on the radially outer side of the intermediate cap wall portion 62 , and the hook bead portion is formed on the radially inner side of the side wall portion 10 ″ of the base structure 10 ′ of the cartridge receiving member 10 . The intermediate cap 60 also optionally includes an edge region 64 that projects radially outwardly and overlaps a side wall portion 10 ′″ of the base structure 10 ′ of the cartridge receiving member 10 . The protruding edge region 64 may serve to further secure and / or seal the intermediate cap 60 to the cartridge receiving member 10 . It is also contemplated, for example, that edge region 64 may be formed by crimping. As an alternative or in addition to edge region 64, numerous other geometries for connecting cartridge receiving member 10 to mid-cap 60 are contemplated.

[0092] The cartridge 2 also comprises first anti-twisting means 25 and / or the intermediate cap 60 comprises further first anti-twisting means 26 . Using the first anti-twist means 25 and / or the further first anti-twist means 26 the relative orientation between the cartridge 2 and the intermediate cap 60 when the intermediate cap 60 is screwed onto the cartridge 2 is defined. In this way, on the one hand, it is possible to accurately and reproducibly position and fix the sealing membrane 18 ″ relative to the cartridge 2 before connecting the sealing membrane 18 ″ to the cartridge 2 . On the other hand, it is advantageous that the relative orientation between the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge 2 is defined, allowing the cartridge 2 to always be inserted in the beverage preparation machine in the same orientation. For example, in this way it is advantageous that an information element, e.g. a QR code, applied to the cartridge system 1, in particular the cartridge 2, can be read when the cartridge system 1 is inserted in the beverage preparation machine. It is also preferred that the first anti-twisting means 25 and / or the further first anti-twisting means 26 can be used to prevent the intermediate cap 60 from being unintentionally separated from the cartridge 2 . The first anti-twist means 25 of the cartridge 2 comprises vertical ribs and / or vertical grooves. The further first anti-twist means 26 of the intermediate cap 60 comprises complementary vertical ribs and / or complementary vertical grooves. Other and further first anti-torsion means are alternatively or additionally conceivable, for example undercuts or spring tongues. A schematic example of a first anti-twist means 25 of the cartridge 2 is shown in FIG.

[0093] Also, the intermediate cap 60 is configured to include a second anti-twisting means and / or the cartridge receiving member 10 is configured to include a further second anti-twisting means. The second anti-twist means and / or the further second anti-twist means define the relative orientation between the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10 when the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10 are in a connected state. As shown with reference to FIG. 2, the second anti-twist means is formed using a hook groove portion 22' of the second connection means 22, and a further second anti-twist means is formed using a hook bead portion 23' of the second mating connection means 23.

[0094] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a mid-cap 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the second connection means 22 of the intermediate cap 60 is shown interacting with the second mating connection means 23 of the cartridge receiving member 10 . The second connecting means 22 comprises a latch groove 22 ′, which extends around the entire periphery of the intermediate cap 60 . On the other hand, it is preferable that the radial extent of the hook groove portion 22 ′, ie, the depth of the hook groove portion 22 ′, is not constant around the periphery of the intermediate cap 60 . In particular, the radial extent of the hook groove portion 22' on one side (the right side in FIG. 2) of the intermediate cap 60 is greater than that on the other side (the left side in FIG. 2). In this way, the latch groove 22 ′ is deeper on one side of the intermediate cap 60 than on the other side of the intermediate cap 60 . As a result, the second connecting means 22 simultaneously constitutes a second anti-twist means. Due to the varying radial extent (ie depth) of the latch groove 22', the orientation of the latch groove 22' when interacting with the latch bead 23' of the cartridge receiving member 10 is defined. Therefore, the retaining bead portion 23' also has a radial expansion (not shown) that changes complementarily with the radial expansion of the retaining groove portion 22'. Each of the latching means 22', 23' thus comprises at least one flat area in the circumferential direction. This flat area is used to form anti-twist means for the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10. Thus, with the intermediate cap 60 connected to the cartridge receiving member 10, a relative orientation defined between the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10 is advantageously set.

[0095] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouth area of ​​a cartridge 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. The cartridge 2 is provided with a first connection means 20 configured as an external thread 20'. The male thread 20' has a first anti-twist means 25 which comprises one or more vertical grooves 25' and / or vertical ribs 25''. Complementary further first anti-torsion means 26, for example further ribs and / or grooves, are provided on the internal thread 21' of the intermediate cap 60. Thus, when the intermediate cap 60 is connected to the cartridge receiving member 10, a defined relative orientation is formed between the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10. The first anti-twisting means 25 and / or the further first anti-twisting means 26 also prevent the intermediate cap 60 from being unscrewed unintentionally from the cartridge 2 .

[0096] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cartridge system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, only the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10 are shown, and the cartridge 2 is not shown. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate cap 60 does not include an edge region 64 . The cartridge receiving member 10, in turn, is provided with an edge region 14 which projects radially inwardly from the side wall 10''' of the base structure 10'. The edge region 14 extends below the intermediate cap wall 62 and has an overlap therewith. The edge region 14 is provided for securing and / or sealing the intermediate cap 60 to the cartridge receiving member 10 . It is also contemplated, for example, that edge region 14 may be formed by crimping.

[0097] Figure 5a shows an oblique view of a cartridge system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5b shows a cross-sectional view of a cartridge system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5c shows the general operating principle of a cartridge system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The illustrated cartridge system 1 is intended to be inserted into a beverage preparation machine (not shown) for producing a beverage 70 . To this end, the cartridge system 1 comprises a cartridge 2 filled with a beverage substance 7 and a cartridge receiving member 10 connected to the cartridge 2 via an intermediate cap 60 . In the beverage preparation machine the corresponding beverage 70 is produced using the beverage substance 7 and an additional water supply, hereinafter referred to as fluid source 41 . In this case, the cartridge 2 is preferably filled with a pre-portioned amount of beverage substance 7 that is required to produce a specific drinking amount, for example one drinking glass, of the desired beverage 70. The beverage substance 7 is a liquid carbonated beverage concentrate in the form of a syrup.

[0099] In principle, a number of different cartridge systems 1 are available, the cartridges 2 or reservoirs 6 of which are filled with different beverage products 7 to produce different beverages 70. When a user of the cartridge system 1 wants to drink a particular beverage 70, he or she simply selects from a number of different cartridge systems 1 a cartridge system 1 containing a corresponding beverage substance 7 for producing the desired beverage 70, inserts the cartridge system 1 into a holding unit of the beverage preparation machine and starts the beverage production process in the beverage preparation machine, for example by pressing a start button, by touching a touch-sensitive display in a suitable manner, by gesture or voice control, or by using a suitable application on a mobile phone. It is also conceivable that the beverage preparation process may start automatically when the insertion of a new cartridge system 1 into the holding unit is detected. Thereafter, in each of the above cases, the desired beverage 70 is automatically produced and delivered to the beverage container, and thus presented to the user. The used cartridge system 1 is then removed and disposed of. The beverage preparation machine is now ready to be refilled again with any desired new cartridge system 1 to produce further beverages 70.

[0100] The beverage substance 7 preferably comprises liquid pre-mixed ingredients for soft drinks such as caffeinated, carbonated, fruit-flavored and / or sweet sodas, as well as juices, beer (mixed) drinks or other alcoholic or non-alcoholic (mixed) drinks.

[0101] The cartridge 2 is connected, preferably screwed, to the intermediate cap 60 via the surrounding first connecting means 20 of the cartridge 2 and preferably via the surrounding first mating connecting means 21 of the intermediate cap 60 . Meanwhile, the intermediate cap 60 is connected to the cartridge receiving member 10 . The cartridge receiving member 10 is connected to the cartridge 2 and / or the intermediate cap 60, in particular after manufacture of the body 2', after filling the cartridge 2 with the beverage substance 7 and after and / or during and / or before closing the reservoir 6 by applying the sealing element 18. The first connection means 20 and / or the first mating connection means 21 are provided with a first anti-twisting means and / or a further first anti-twisting means, whereby an anti-twisting device for the cartridge 2 and the intermediate cap 60 is formed. The cartridge wall 2'' and the cartridge receiving member 10 are glued, welded and / or pressed together.

[0102] The cartridge receiving member 10 has second mating connection means 23 which are connected to complementary second connection means 22 of the intermediate cap 60 . The second mating connection means 23 and the second connection means 22 may be, for example, complementary locking grooves and locking beads, or may be, for example, threads. An anti-twist device is further formed by using the second mating connection means 23 and / or the second connection means 22 and / or by using further elements to fix and define the relative orientation between the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10.

[0103] The cartridge 2 is configured so as to be able to withstand an internal pressure of less than 12 bar without bursting, preferably less than 10 bar, particularly preferably less than 8 bar and very particularly preferably less than 6 bar (external pressure of 1 bar at a temperature of 20°C). The reservoir 6 has a capacity of 10 ml to 500 ml, preferably 30 ml to 90 ml, and particularly preferably about 60 ml.

[0104] The cartridge receiving member 10 has a mixing chamber 8 which is fluidly connected to the reservoir 6 during the beverage production process such that a cartridge emptying device of the cartridge receiving member 10 can be used to at least partially transfer the beverage substance 7 from the reservoir 6 to the mixing chamber 8. For this purpose, the cartridge emptying device includes a compressed air line 40 . One end of this compressed air pipe 40 is connected to a compressed air connection 42 which can be connected to a compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine in order to introduce compressed air into the compressed air pipe 40, while the other end opens towards the reservoir 6 and leads to a compressed air outlet which introduces compressed air into the reservoir 6. The beverage substance 7 is forced into the mixing chamber 8 by the introduction of compressed air. A compressed air tube 40 runs inside the drilling spike 73 from an external compressed air connection 42 for connection to a compressed air source to a compressed air outlet 43 in the region of the tip of the drilling spike.

[0105] Also communicating with the mixing chamber 8 is a fluid supply 12 of the cartridge receiving member 10 which is supplied from a fluid source of the beverage preparation machine. The fluid supply may include a quick coupling by which the fluid supply 12 can be connected to a fluid source of the beverage preparation machine. The quick coupling may be configured, for example, such that when the cartridge system 1 is inserted into the holding unit, a fluid connection between the fluid source and the mixing chamber 8 via the fluid supply 12 is automatically established. During the beverage production process, fluid, in particular chilled carbonated water, enters the mixing chamber 8 from the fluid supply 12 by means of this fluid connection. Furthermore, as mentioned above, during the beverage production process, beverage substance 7 enters mixing chamber 8 from reservoir 6 . The beverage substance 7 is mixed with the fluid in the mixing chamber 8 resulting in the formation of a beverage 70 which then exits the mixing chamber 8 through the beverage outlet 11 .

[0106] The cartridge receiving member 10 has a beverage outlet 11 through which the beverage produced in the mixing chamber 8 leaves the mixing chamber 8 and is conveyed to a beverage container (not shown), in particular directly, i.e. without any parts of the beverage preparation machine coming into contact with the beverage 70. In this way back contamination of the beverage preparation machine is prevented. The beverage container is positioned directly below the beverage outlet 11 .

[0107] After the beverage production process is completed, the cartridge system 1 is removed from the holding unit so that the beverage preparation machine can be fitted with a new and unused cartridge system 1 . The cartridge receiving member 10 can optionally be reused by detaching it from the used cartridge 2 and intermediate cap 60 by releasing the latching connection and clipping it onto a new cartridge 2 and / or intermediate cap 60. Cartridge 2 is also reused. In particular, the cartridge 2 may be filled with new beverage substance 7 and then sealed with the sealing element 18 . It is also contemplated that the mid-cap 60 may be reused to attach a new sealing membrane 18 ″ to a new cartridge 2 using the mid-cap 60 .

[0108] To establish a fluid connection between the reservoir 6 and the mixing chamber 8, the cartridge receiving member 10 has a spike guide 80 in which the piercing spike 73 is displaceably mounted. The sealing element 18 is pierced by a displaceable piercing spike 73 which is moved between a retracted position (see FIG. 5b) in which the piercing spike 73 is spaced away from the sealing element 18, and an extended position in which the piercing spike 73 pierces the sealing element 18 (see FIG. 5c) and protrudes into the reservoir 6. During movement from the retracted position to the extended position, the piercing spike 73 passes through the through opening 63 of the intermediate cap 60 before piercing the sealing element 18 .

[0109] The outer wall of the piercing spike 73 is provided with a number of lateral channels 71 for conveying the beverage substance 7 from the reservoir 6 in the direction of the mixing chamber 8 when the sealing element 18 is pierced. These transverse channels 71 are configured in the form of grooves which are open on one side and extend parallel to one another. After piercing of the sealing element 18 , the lateral channel 71 is in fluid connection with the reservoir 6 such that the beverage substance 7 can flow around the edge of the pierced sealing element 18 in the direction of the mixing chamber 8 .

[0110] In this case, the cross-section of the lateral channels 71 and / or the number of the lateral channels 71 are preferably adapted to the viscosity of the beverage substance 7, such that the lateral channels 71 control or restrict the flow of the beverage substance 7 in the direction of the mixing chamber 8. At high viscosities, multiple lateral channels 71 and / or lateral channels 71 with relatively large cross sections are used, whereas at low viscosities, fewer lateral channels 71 and / or lateral channels 71 with smaller cross sections are provided.

[0111] The piercing spike 73 also has integrated therein a compressed air tube 40 which functions as a cartridge emptying device. This compressed air tube 40 opens into the reservoir 6 at the end of the piercing spike 73 when the latter is in the extended position. In particular, on one side of the piercing spike 73, facing away from the reservoir 6, a compressed air connection 42 is formed, which is thus accessible from outside the cartridge receiving member 10 and connectable to a compressed air source of the beverage preparation machine.

[0112] The piercing spike 73 is preferably moved from the retracted position to the extended position by a fixed release element of the holding unit against which the piercing spike 73 is pressed during or after insertion of the cartridge system 1 into the beverage preparation machine or after the start of the beverage production process. The piercing spike 73 is a synthetic resin part, and more preferably a synthetic resin injection molded part.

[0113] Both the fluid source and the compressed air source are directly connected to the fluid supply 12 and the compressed air connection 42, respectively, as soon as the cartridge system 1 is inserted into the beverage preparation machine or the beverage production process starts and before the sealing element 18 is pierced. In this way, back contamination in the direction of the beverage preparation machine is effectively avoided, since the fluid supply 12 and the cartridge emptying device are instantly placed under overpressure upon insertion of the cartridge system 1, thereby preventing the beverage substance 7 from moving in the direction of the fluid source and compressed air source, respectively. Therefore, the beverage substance 7 can only travel in the direction from the reservoir 6 to the mixing chamber 8 as soon as the sealing element 18 is opened (see FIG. 5c).

[0114] The cartridge receiving member 10 includes a base structure 10' having a cup-like configuration. The open side of this cup-like arrangement faces towards the cartridge 2 and at least partially accommodates the cartridge 2 and the intermediate cap 60 . At the opposite bottom side 10'', the base structure 10' has a beverage outlet opening 11 and an outwardly opening spike guide 80. The fluid supply 12 is formed in a side wall 10''' of the base structure 10'. In particular, the base structure 10' is constructed as a synthetic resin part, particularly preferably as a synthetic resin injection molded part.

[0115] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cartridge system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cartridge 2 comprises a reservoir 6 for a beverage substance 7 . The body 2' of the cartridge 2 or the cartridge 2 itself is made from or with glass. An intermediate cap 60 is attached to the cartridge 2 at the mouth region of the cartridge 2 . The intermediate cap 60 comprises a base region 61 and an intermediate cap wall 62 which projects from the base region 61 and surrounds the cartridge wall in the mouth region of the cartridge 2 . The base region 61 comprises a through opening 63, which is provided for the passage of a piercing spike 73 therethrough. The through openings 63 may have a variety of sizes and / or shapes. For example, circular through openings 63 or angular or oval through openings 63 are conceivable. The through opening 63 may match the dimensions of and / or surround the piercing spike 73 as it passes through. The piercing spike 73 is able to pass through the through opening 63 and thus travel to the sealing element 18 and pierce, penetrate and / or open the sealing element 18 . In particular, the sealing element 18 is configured as a sealing membrane 18''. In the illustration shown in FIG. 6, the piercing spike 73 is in an extended position, where the piercing spike 73 has pierced the sealing element 18 and protrudes into the reservoir 6 . The cartridge 2 comprises first connection means 20, which are configured as external threads 20' in the cartridge wall 2''. The intermediate cap 60 is provided with a first mating connection means 21, which is configured as an internal thread 21'. The intermediate cap 60 is screwed via its internal thread 21 ′ onto the external thread 20 ′ of the cartridge 2 . In this manner, the intermediate cap 60 is configured as a screw-on cap. A sealing means 16 in the form of a circumferential sealing ring 16 ′ is formed between a base region 61 of the intermediate cap 60 and the end face 5 of the cartridge 2 . The transition between the cartridge 2 and the mid-cap 60 is sealed by a sealing ring 16' so that no liquid can escape from the cartridge system 1 through this transition. The sealing ring 16 ′ also advantageously serves to balance or compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the cartridge 2 and / or mid-cap 60 . Further sealing means 17 are provided between the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10, by sealing the transition between the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10, such that liquid cannot escape from the cartridge system 1 through this transition between the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10. Additionally, the further sealing means 17 acts as an anti-twist device (friction) between the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10, particularly when both the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10 are rotationally symmetric and / or configured to have no anti-twist flats. Also, optionally, an interlocking portion is formed between the hard component (i.e., in particular the intermediate cap and / or the cartridge receiving member) and the soft component (i.e., in particular the further sealing means 17) in order to particularly advantageously protect the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10 against undesired twisting relative to each other. The further sealing means 17 may for example be injection moulded as a two-component injection moulded synthetic resin part or may be manually inserted as a further part and may be placed in any desired position, in particular in a groove. In the embodiment shown, the further sealing means 17 is configured as a circumferential sealing ring 17'. Further sealing means 17 are arranged in the region of the second connecting means 22 and in the region of the second mating connecting means 23 . The second connection means 22 may be configured, for example, as a hook groove portion 22', and the second mating connection means 23 may be configured as a hook bead portion 23'. Alternatively, the second connection means 22 may for example be configured as a hook bead and the second mating connection means 23 may be configured as a hook groove. The intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10 are fixed to each other via the second connecting means 22 and the second mating connecting means 23 .

[0116] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cartridge system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of FIG. 7 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. The sealing element 18 is configured as a sealing membrane 18' and the cartridge 2 is partly or entirely made of glass. The sealing means 16 , which is configured as a sealing ring 16 ′, is arranged between the end face 5 of the cartridge 2 and a base area 61 of the intermediate cap 60 . In addition, a sealing means 17 configured as a sealing ring 17' is arranged between the second connecting means 22 and the second mating connecting means 23 to seal the transition between the intermediate cap 60 and the cartridge receiving member 10. The second connection means 22 is configured as a hook groove portion 22 ′ in the intermediate cap 60 , and the second fitting connection means 23 is configured as a hook bead portion 23 ′ of the cartridge receiving member 10 . In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the intermediate cap 60 latches and / or fits onto the cartridge 2 by means of its first mating connection means 21, in particular it is not screwed. For this purpose, the cartridge 2 has first connection means 20 which are configured, for example, as a flange area at the cartridge mouth or as a latching bead. For the sealing means 16 and the further sealing means 17 the configurations, functions and advantages described above in relation to FIG. 6 can be used.

[0117] FIG. 8 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a sealing element 18 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sealing means 18 is configured as a synthetic resin cap and includes one or more synthetic resins. The synthetic resin cap may be formed, for example, by injection molding. Here, the synthetic resin cap may be configured as a crimp cap, a latch cap or a screw cap, i.e., if possible, is crimped, latched or screwed onto the cartridge, for example. The sealing element 18, in particular the synthetic resin cap, has a weakened portion 18'''' for the passage of the piercing spike 73. The weakened portion 18'''' is an area of ​​the synthetic resin cap that is reduced in thickness compared to adjacent areas of the synthetic resin cap. The weakened portion 18'''' is formed as a reduced thickness area of ​​the synthetic resin cap during formation of the synthetic resin cap, for example during injection molding, so that no further post processing of the synthetic resin cap is required to form the weakened portion. The synthetic resin cap shown in FIG. 8 can be combined as the sealing element 18 with, for example, the various embodiments of the intermediate cap 60 described above. The synthetic resin cap shown in FIG. 8 can be combined as sealing element 18, for example with the various embodiments of sealing means 16 and further sealing means 17 described above. For example, use with an annular or full area sealing means 16 is contemplated, which is constructed as part of the sealing element 18 or as part of the intermediate cap 60, either as a separate insert or using two-component injection molding. For example, it is conceivable to use it with a further sealing means 17, which is constructed as part of the intermediate cap 60 or as part of the cartridge receiving member 10, either as a separate insert or by means of two-component injection moulding.

[0118] FIG. 9 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of an intermediate cap 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the intermediate cap 60 is configured as a synthetic resin cap having a weakened portion 60' and / or a pre-punch. In this case, the intermediate cap 60 may not have the through opening 63 in the initial state of the intermediate cap 60 as shown in FIG. The through opening 63 is formed by a piercing spike 73 which opens the base region 61 of the intermediate cap 60 in the region of the weakened portion 60'. Thus, the through opening 63 is formed by the movement of the piercing spike 73, which pierces and / or penetrates the intermediate cap 60 in the region of the weakened portion 60' before opening the sealing means. The synthetic resin cap shown in FIG. 9 can be combined as an intermediate cap 60 with, for example, various embodiments of the cartridge system 1 described above. The synthetic resin cap shown in FIG. 9 can be combined as an intermediate cap 60, for example, with the various embodiments of the sealing means 16 and further sealing means 17 described above. For example, use with an annular or full area sealing means 16 is contemplated, which is constructed as part of the sealing element 18 or as part of the intermediate cap 60, either as a separate insert or using two-component injection molding. For example, it is conceivable to use it with a further sealing means 17, which is constructed as a separate insert or as part of the intermediate cap 60 or as part of the cartridge receiving member 10 using two-component injection molding. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1. Cartridge system 2 Cartridge 2' Main body 2'' Cartridge wall 2'' Cartridge base 2''''... Edge of cartridge wall 5...End face 6. Reservoir 7...Beverage substance 8. Mixing chamber 10 Cartridge receiving member 10' Base structure 10''...Bottom side 10'''...Side wall portion of base structure 11...Beverage outlet 12...Fluid supply section 14....Edge region of side wall of base structure 16...Sealing means 16'···Sealing ring 17 Further sealing measures 17'···Sealing ring 18....Sealing element 18''... Encapsulating thin film 18'''' Weakened part of sealing element 20... First connection means 20' Male thread 21... First fitting connection means 21' Female thread 22...Second connection means 22'···Latching groove 23... Second fitting connection means 23'···Latching bead section 25... First anti-torsion means 25' Groove 25'' Rib section 26... Further first anti-torsion measures 40...Compressed air pipe 42 Compressed air connection 43 Compressed air outlet 60···Middle cap 60' Weakened part of middle cap 61... Base area of ​​intermediate cap 62... Intermediate cap wall 63...Through opening 64....Edge region of middle cap 70...Beverage 71 Horizontal channel 73... Piercing spike 80···Spike guide 90...Opening

Claims

1. A cartridge system (1) for producing a beverage (70), comprising a cartridge (2) insertable into a beverage preparation machine and including a reservoir (6) filled with a beverage substance (7) and a cartridge receiving member (10), the cartridge receiving member (10) having a mixing chamber (8) fluidly connectable to the reservoir (6) and a fluid supply (12) opening into the mixing chamber (8), A middle cap (60) is provided, The cartridge (2) has a first connecting means (20), the intermediate cap (60) has a first mating connection means (21) complementary to the first connection means (20); The first mating connection means (21) is connected to the first connection means (20), The intermediate cap (60) has a base region (61) and an intermediate cap wall (62); A cartridge system (1), characterized in that the base area (61) of the intermediate cap (60) has a through opening (63) through which a piercing spike (73) for piercing the sealing element (18) passes.

2. 2. A cartridge system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the opening (90) of the cartridge (2) is closed by the sealing element (18) in an initial state of the cartridge system (1).

3. 3. A cartridge system (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first mating connection means (21) is latch-connected, screw-connected and / or mating-connected to the first connection means (20).

4. The first connecting means (20) comprises an external thread (20'), The first mating connection means (21) has an internal thread (21'), The cartridge system (1) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge (2) and the intermediate cap (60) are connected to each other by the male thread (20') of the cartridge (2) and the female thread (21') of the intermediate cap (60).

5. said cartridge (2) having a first anti-twisting means (25) and / or said intermediate cap (60) having a further first anti-twisting means (26), A cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the relative orientation between the cartridge (2) and the intermediate cap (60) is defined using the first anti-twist means (25) and / or the further first anti-twist means (26).

6. 6. A cartridge system (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first anti-twist means (25) of the cartridge (2) comprises a vertical rib portion (25'') and / or a vertical groove portion (25') and / or the further first anti-twist means (26) of the intermediate cap (60) comprises a vertical rib portion and / or a vertical groove portion.

7. A cartridge system (1) as described in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the first anti-torsion means (25) is configured as part of and / or formed adjacent to the male thread (20') of the cartridge (2) and / or the further first anti-torsion means (26) is configured as part of and / or formed adjacent to the female thread (21') of the intermediate cap (60).

8. A cartridge system (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the intermediate cap wall portion (62) extends circumferentially around the base region (61) perpendicularly from the base region (61), and the intermediate cap (60) has a cup-shaped configuration.

9. 9. A cartridge system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the first mating connection means (21) is arranged on the intermediate cap wall (62).

10. A cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the sealing element (18) is arranged between an edge (2'''') of a cartridge wall (2'') of the cartridge (2) and the base area (61) of the intermediate cap (60).

11. The cartridge system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the sealing element (18) comprises a sealing membrane (18'').

12. 12. A cartridge system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the sealing membrane (18'') comprises a synthetic resin membrane, an aluminium membrane or a multi-layer membrane made of synthetic resin and / or aluminium.

13. A cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the sealing element (18) is glued, sealed and / or welded to a cartridge wall (2'') of the cartridge (2).

14. 12. The cartridge system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the sealing membrane (18'') is fixed to the edge (2'''') of the cartridge wall (2'') by induction welding.

15. The cartridge system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate cap (60) is connected to the cartridge receiving member (10).

16. the intermediate cap (60) has a second connecting means (22) and / or the cartridge receiving member (10) has a second mating connecting means (23); The cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second mating connection means (23) is latch-connected, screw-connected and / or mating-connected to the second connection means (22).

17. the second connection means (22) comprises one or more hook grooves (22') and / or one or more hook beads and / or one or more undercuts and / or male threads; A cartridge system (1) as described in claim 16, wherein the second mating connection means comprises one or more latching grooves and / or one or more latching beads (23') and / or one or more undercuts and / or an internal thread.

18. said intermediate cap (60) having second anti-twist means and / or said cartridge receiving member (10) having further second anti-twist means, A cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the relative orientation between the intermediate cap (60) and the cartridge receiving member (10) is defined using the second anti-twist means and / or the further second anti-twist means.

19. A cartridge system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a seal is formed between the cartridge (2) and the intermediate cap (60) by means of sealing means (16).

20. A cartridge system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a seal is formed between the intermediate cap (60) and the cartridge receiving member (10) by means of further sealing means (17).

21. The cartridge (2) comprises a body (2') having a cup-like configuration, the body (2') is formed with the cartridge wall (2'') closed on one side by a cartridge base (2'''); A cartridge system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (2') comprises the reservoir (6).

22. The cartridge receiving member (10) has a base structure (10'), A cartridge system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said base structure (10') is at least partially made of synthetic resin.

23. The base structure (10') has a cup-like configuration; an open side of the cup-shaped structure facing towards the cartridge (2); An opening (11) serving as a beverage outlet and a spike guide (80) opening to the outside are formed on a bottom side (10'') located on the opposite side to the cartridge (2); 23. A cartridge system (1) according to claim 22, wherein a fluid supply portion (12) is formed in the bottom side (10'') or in a side wall (10''') of the base structure (10').

24. A displaceably mounted piercing spike (73) is provided within said spike guide (80), A cartridge system (1) as described in claim 23, wherein the piercing spike (73) is displaceable between a retracted position in which the piercing spike (73) is spaced from the sealing element (18) and an extended position in which the piercing spike (73) pierces the sealing element (18) and protrudes into the reservoir (6).

25. A cartridge system (1) as described in claim 24, wherein the outer wall of the piercing spike (73) has at least one side channel (71) for conveying the beverage substance (7) in the direction of the mixing chamber (8) when the sealing element (18) is pierced.

26. The piercing spike (73) has an integrated compressed air tube (40), 26. A cartridge system (1) as described in claim 25, wherein the compressed air tube (40) extends inside the piercing spike (73) from an external compressed air connection (42) for connection to a compressed air source to a compressed air outlet (43) in the region of the tip of the piercing spike (73) and is configured to blow compressed air into the reservoir (6).

27. the mixing chamber (8) is provided with a beverage outlet (11) through which the beverage (70) produced from the mixture of the beverage substance (7) and a fluid is dispensed; 24. A cartridge system (1) as claimed in claim 23, wherein the cartridge receiving member (10) is configured to enable the beverage (70) to be introduced directly from the beverage outlet (11) into a mobile container.

28. A beverage preparation machine comprising a cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

29. A method for manufacturing a cartridge system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 27, comprising the steps of: - said cartridge (2) and said intermediate cap (60) are provided in a first method step, - in a second method step after said first method step, said cartridge (2) and said intermediate cap (60) are connected to each other by said first connecting means (20) of said cartridge (2) and said first mating connecting means (21) of said intermediate cap (60).

30. 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein in an intermediate step prior to the second method step, a sealing element (18) is placed on and / or fixed to the intermediate cap (60).

31. 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein in the intermediate step before the second method step, the sealing element (18) is fixed to the intermediate cap (60) by means of wax and / or synthetic resin.

32. 32. The method according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the sealing element (18) fixed to the intermediate cap (60) is glued, sealed and / or welded to an edge (2'''') of the cartridge wall (2'') in the second method step.

33. in a first partial step of the second method step, the cartridge (2) and the intermediate cap (60) are connected to each other by the first connecting means (20) of the cartridge (2) and / or the first mating connecting means (21) of the intermediate cap (60), The method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein in a second partial step of the second method step, after the first partial step, the sealing element (18) fixed to the intermediate cap (60) is connected to the cartridge (2) by induction welding.

34. Method according to any of claims 30 to 33, wherein prior to the second method step a foam layer is placed on the intermediate cap (60) and / or on the sealing element (18).

35. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein in a third method step, before, during and / or after the second method step, the intermediate cap (60) and the cartridge receiving member (10) are connected by a second connecting means (22) of the intermediate cap (60) and / or a second mating connecting means (23) of the cartridge receiving member (10).

36. 36. A method according to claim 35, wherein, in an intermediate step carried out before said third method step, said cartridge receiving member (10) is manufactured by synthetic resin injection moulding.

37. 37. The method according to claim 35 or claim 36, wherein piercing spikes (73) are manufactured in a further intermediate step carried out before or after the third method step and introduced into spike guides (80) of the cartridge receiving member (10).

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